kayaking_kev

I only have a sit-in because I bought it before I started fishing just to take on recreational trips. My next kayak will most likely be a SOT, mainly because if you flip it, you can just flip it back over and get back on. With mine if it gets flipped, you have no chance of emptying out the water and flipping back around, you would have to get it to the bank somehow and get the water out before you can flip it back over. You won't be able to stand in a Sit-In either and a lot of the seats on SOT's are raised so that helps with hook sets and sight fishing. My experience with a SOT has been on rivers that will have occasional rifts and rapids that will come over the side of the kayak. On warm days or if you're wearing good waterproof gear, this shouldn't be problem. I've also never used a SOT that had a raised seat, so maybe those would keep you out of the water, the ones I've used had the built in molded seats. The Sit-Ins have some advantages like blocking wind and keeping rapids and big waves from coming in so easily, but overall I would agree that SOT is the way to go. I just make due with what I got right now. You could always get a spray skirt for sit-ins and stay completely dry, but it probably still wouldn't help much if you flip out in the middle of a lake. That's my biggest worry with sit-ins. I almost bought a new Native Slayer a few months ago, but I have a bad foot from a brain surgery I had years ago and I'm unsure if I can even use a pedal kayak, so I spent my money on new rods instead. I'm waiting to find someone around me with one so I can try it first.

Jumped up to $89 earlier today and now is pretty much dead as it jumped to $142.

I'll share my experience with recording since I'm always recording. First off, I love it, being able to relive those big catches, the wildlife and the odd ball things that we all have happen to us while spending hours out fishing. Especially at this time of year in my neck of the woods when everything is iced over and wanting to fish, it's the next best thing when you can't fish. And, on those big fish catches, it seems the moment goes by so quick and you have to get it back in the water and you wish you could just enjoy it longer. But anyway, I started with a imitation GoPro in 2018 that was like $60, and my youtube videos from that year are filmed with it. It came with a waterproof housing case that it went in which made the microphone useless and the quality a little less. The older GoPro's were the same way, the newer ones are waterproof without a housing case. It was better than nothing, but it did create some artifacts in the video sometimes, especially when it faced into the sun directly. Another problem was that I didn't use a external power bank to power it and only had one battery and it was impossible to find batteries for it online, I tried a few different ones and none worked with it. At the end of 2018, I think around Black Friday, I scored a GoPro Hero 2018 for $130, which is actually a GoPro Hero 5 Black, but with the firmware limited. So, it took me about 30 seconds to flash the firmware over to the Hero 5 and now I have a $300 GoPro with all the same options. My videos on youtube in 2019, all 45+ were recorded with it and the difference was huge. The video quality, the options, voice control, waterproof on it's own, the microphone is really loud, and it's pretty durable as I have dropped it several times now and it still works good. GoPro also has a editor you can use that has some good video filters for colors that I like, like Pro Tune. And GoPro has tons of accessories and attachments for it. If you can find one for a good price, they are worth it.

Dobyns Champion Glass rods are actually composite. I also have a nice cheaper composite that I like from 13 Fishing, the Defy Black Crankbait Rod, it's a 7'3 Heavy, but it balances perfectly, it's a great rod for $50-$60. If you want to go cheaper than that, there is the Ugly Stik GX2 and that's composite, and I don't care what anyone says, they are awesome cranking sticks for the money, I have 4 of them.

I can't really answer that yet because they are all new within the last few months and I've been iced in most of that time. Most people would say the Xtasy 755c is the best one there, and it may be, but as far as usage, I will probably use the Xtasy 723c more because I mostly throw 3/8 oz stuff or light T-Rigged plastics more than 1/2 oz or heavier jigs, but who knows I may start throwing more heavier stuff if the 755c is really that good. I will definitely use the Extreme 702c a lot, mainly for Ned rigs and I have fished with it a little and even caught a fish on it and I'm loving that rod. If I had to pick a favorite right now, this might be it just because I have got to fish with it more than the Xtasy and caught a fish with it. But, I'm sure once I actually get some time on the Xtasys, I will like them more. It's a toss up right now on which glass rod I will use the most right now, depends on which one I end up liking for the Whopper Plopper the most, probably the 704cb as long as it proves it has enough backbone, because I like the parabolic bend on it for river smallies. I haven't fished with the 704 yet, but I've thrown the 705 maybe 20 cast. The 705 is a good bladed jig, medium diver rod, and for 2.5 squarebills. The 704 has way more parabolic bend to it, I almost feel I could jig fish with the 705, but people say the parabolic bend shows up when you have a fish on the line and I haven't been able to experience that yet. The 704sf spinning rod is a nice all around rod, but I don't like spinning gear and I'm trying to sell it. It has about 10 cast on it. The Kaden 744c might be my the rod I grab if I'm only taking one, it should be a good all around rod, but I haven't fished with it either. The Fury 703c is the only one I've really fished with enough because that was my first one that I got back in October. I bought it for Senkos, light Jigs and T-Rigs, but it has become my Jerkbait rod. It's also a very versatile rod. And, I will always love the Ugly Stik GX2.

Thanks! Yep, no Sierra or Colt, and the Savvy and Coalition were before my addiction. I would like at least one of each series, but I'm not really needing another rod for anything, I already have a couple of Lew's and Shimano rods that will probably get sold. I try to convince myself that I could use a 735 Sierra for frogging and just use the 755 Xtasy for Jigs and a Colt 705cb for jerkbaits, but that's what I use my Fury for.

My Honest First Impressions I haven't actually fished with the rod yet and that's the most important thing. I'm by far no expert, but I do own 8 Dobyns Rods, including two Xtasys, one Extreme, and three Champions and others to compare it to. These are my first impressions of the feel and looks of my new Kaden 744c prototype after having it for 24 hours. What I like about it. The action feels really nice and the 744c seems like it's going to be a great all around rod. It has a really nice tip with a strong backbone, but closer to a Medium Heavy rather than a Heavy power. The cork looks really nice and surprised me on how well it felt. It doesn't seem like AA cork, it seems better than the Fury and Champion XP's and very close to the Extreme HP's cork. Of course it balances great, it's a Dobyns. The red color really pops, I really like it, and it looks really nice with a Fuego or any other red reel. What I think needs improved so far. The detail, besides the red color, the rod is plain, the blank isn't sanded, there needs to be some detail between the split grip on the handle like on every other Dobyns rod I have and also on the logo section of the blank if it's going to be near $200. I'm sure that helps make it a little lighter, but it looks cheaper than the Fury to be honest, it even has the same font as the Fury, but the Fury at least as some detail on the handle between the split grip. Conclusion It's still a nice looking rod compared to most other rod brands, just not as detailed as other Dobyns rods, but as long as this new material on the blank lives up to advertisement, it will be well worth the price. I can always add my own detail on the handle from Mudhole.

I don't know anything about this reel, but it's at the lowest price it has ever been right now, seems like a good deal. Left Hand Only! $83 Abu Garcia Revo ALX Low Profile Reel https://www.amazon.com/Abu-Garcia-HS-ALX-Profile/dp/B01IDELWLA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07BKMKFBM&pd_rd_r=77a354ee-b132-4dfe-9643-2d1541028ea7&pd_rd_w=oVMM4&pd_rd_wg=AMVXG&pf_rd_p=bdd201df-734f-454e-883c-73b0d8ccd4c3&pf_rd_r=7ZWC84NVPFZMADXYRRN8&refRID=7ZWC84NVPFZMADXYRRN8&th=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=tacklea-20&linkId=f732954f03642c62788836b68763a32d&language=en_US

Updated Dobyns collection. Kaden 744 and Champion 704 Glass came yesterday.

Latest additions.

My wife's parents live in Lenoir City right on the river, not far from you.

Yes, that was caught in Ohio on a River that runs into the Maumee River, which runs into Lake Erie. I fish a couple of them connected to the Maumee and they are full of smallmouth and rock bass, and some largemouth. I caught 34 bass on one three mile trip this past season and then the very next trip on a different 3 mile section I caught 41. They don't get very fat, but fight like hell. I've caught several over 18" and my PB is only 3.1 lbs., but the rock bass are huge.

Daiwa Tatula CT 100XS = $100 https://www.walmart.com/ip/Daiwa-Tatula-CT-100XS-8-1-1-Right-Hand-Baitcast-Fishing-Reel-TACT100XS/124298503 Daiwa Tatula 100 = $100 https://www.sportsmansoutfitters.com/products/daiwa-tatula-100-baitcast-fishing-reel Daiwa Fuego CT = $85 https://www.ebay.com/p/12034850898 Daiwa CR 80 = $61 https://www.walmart.com/ip/Daiwa-CC80-Compact-Baitcast-Fishing-Reel/860718572 Daiwa CC 80 = $60 https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Daiwa_CC_80_Casting_Reel/descpage-CC8.html# Lew's LFS Speed Spool = $100 https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/catpage-LEWREEL.html?from=basres Lew's Classic Speed Spool = $60 https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/catpage-LEWREEL.html?from=basres

Like I said, I'm noobish about them, not even really sure what's important to me besides finding depth, fish and structure. Some sort of GPS would be nice to navigate when I'm lost on a river and to tell me my speed and something with a waypoint marker.

I'm considering getting my first fish finder for my kayak, but I don't want a expensive one, I'm looking at $100-$150 range for the fish finder. It's not going to be used a whole lot as I fish a lot in shallow rivers or bank fish most of the time. I also need some good advice on batteries, battery box, etc.. I will list some of the options I have came up with real quick, but I am pretty noobish when it comes to marine electronics. Transducer Mount so I don't have to drill a hole in my kayak hull. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0174X6UNQ/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_mKSCBbJFWD8FK Battery https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006LO9S3E/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=fishfinders89-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B006LO9S3E&linkId=bcf37bb1599f7a542b3364db9dda8e1e Battery Box https://www.amazon.com/Attwood-Corporation-9082-1-Small-Battery/dp/B0000B12YQ/ref=sr_1_13?dchild=1&keywords=kayak%2Bbattery%2Bbox&qid=1580626061&sr=8-13&th=1 Fish Finder https://www.amazon.com/Humminbird-410150-1-PIRANHAMAX-Fish-finder/dp/B01MDP3DPB?tag=sonarwars-20 Fish Finder https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Striker-Transducer-Fishfinder-Traditional/dp/B017NI17HQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1540570057&sr=8-3&keywords=Garmin+Striker+4&linkCode=sl1&tag=ecopetlife-20&linkId=c0f1a7cdb7953af837dbb4410a748e03&language=en_US These next two are a little more than what I want to spend, but wondering how much of a improvement would they be. https://www.amazon.com/Humminbird-410190-1-Helix-Fishfinder-System/dp/B01MCWIC5H?tag=sonarwars-20 https://www.walmart.com/ip/Humminbird-Helix-5-Sonar-G2-Fishfinder-410190-1/54876745

I have two of them, but that's not what I'm talking about. The Xtasy has Grayish logos.

Got my 744c today. Overall it's a nice rod, but I do have some small complaints. I wish there was some detail on the blank between the split grip like on the other series, it's kinda of plain. I wish the red trim on the guide wrapping went on every guide, not just the first one. I had some epoxy filled in on one of the bottom of my guides, which bothered me the most, but shouldn't affect anything and can probably easily be removed with a little heat. I like the feel, the red color, the split grips, the reel seat, the balance, the tip, and we will see how the guides hold up, don't know much about them.

The red is fine with me, but I wouldn't mind some kind of blackout color sometime soon.

I have a sit-in kayak, so I only get a few drips here and there from my paddle and just layer up. If I had a sit-on-top, I would have waterproof everything if the water and air were cold. I've used them before and there's no avoiding getting wet. There's a good thread around here somewhere about the best method and material for layering and staying warm and dry, try a couple search terms if you're interested.

Gary Dobyns on the Kaden Series, posted last night. "Explaining the Kaden Series. Guys, I have issues. When a new material comes out, I must play with it. Can't help myself. Along with this, my factory owner had a new design he wanted to play with. So we started messing around. When I think something is better, the fisherman in me has to have it. Probably sounds corny but it's true. I get myself in a bind at times and the Kaden Series is prime example. Where this rod will fall into the line up, is still unknown. If it's as good as I think it is, I'll fit it in somewhere. This rod may change too, it depends on the feed back. Maybe it'll need full handles, maybe different guides or reelseats, maybe it needs to be pink I've never built a series and asked for feedback from our customers. I'm anxious to see how it works. Please send comments and ideas to reviews@dobynsrods.com This address will be active in a few days. I'll make a post when it's active. Thanks in advance for the info and help. I'll really be looking at it hard. THX!!!"

https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/big-bite-baits-minnow-jig#repChildCatSku=023728256 Chartreuse Red Eye to go with the Chartreuse 1" Gulp Minnow, but I got some Black ones also and Shiner colored Gulp Minnows. I get them locally at Dunhams, but looks like they are cheaper at Academy.

Maybe consider getting a Shimano SLX DC, it might help with casting those bigger profile baits, especially into the wind and it cost about the same as the Curado K, I also heard they even feel similar. Or maybe the Shimano Intenza MH Glass. I have a Dobyns Champion Glass 705cb paired with a SLX XT for bladed jigs, but a lot of people love the 735 Glass as the ultimate chatterbait rod.

How does the Lew's MP compare with the MB? I really like the MB. I wanted the Legalis, but found the Revros LT for a great price.

Dobyns Xtasy 723c - MH/F (Soon to be 2020 Shimano Metanium 8.1:1) Dobyns Xtasy 755c - XH/F (Shimano SLX DC 7.2:1) Dobyns Extreme HP 702c - ML/F (13 Fishing Concept Z 7.3:1) Dobyns Champion XP Glass 704cb - M/F (Shimano SLX 7.2.1) Dobyns Champion XP Glass 705cb - MH/F (Shimano SLX XT 7.2.1) Dobyns Champion XP 704sf - MH/F (Shimano Sienna 2500) Dobyns Kaden 744c - H/F (Daiwa Fuego CT 8.1:1)) Dobyns Fury 703c - MH/F (Lew's Tournament MB 7.5:1) St.Croix Panfish Series 6'9" - UL/F (Daiwa Revros 2000) Lew's TP-1 Speed Stick 6'9" - ML/F (Penn Pursuit 2500) 13 Defy Black Crankbait 7'3" - H/M (Lew's Tournament MB 5.6:1) Shimano SLX 7'5" - H/F (13 Fishing Origin FB 8.1:1) Shimano SLX 7'2" - MH/XF (No Reel) Fenwick HMX 7'6" - H/F (No Reel) Lew's Hank Parker IM8 6'10" - M/F (Abu Garcia Pro Max 7.1:1) Ugly Stik Gx2 (4 of them) 6'0" - M/M (Abu Garcia Black Max 6.4:1) Eagle Claw (Old) 6'6" - M/M (Shimano IV 4000) Zebco Slingshot 5'6" - ML/M (Zebco 202 Spincast) H2o Angler 6'0" - M/F (No Reel) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Everything is brand new from the last few months from the Fenwick HMX on up. Still waiting on the Kaden rod to get here, and the 704 Glass will be here Monday. I do plan on selling a few rods. The Champion 704sf, both SLX Rods, Fenwick HMX, and 2 of my Gx2's.

No, they didn't even take my email address, but the money was deducted from my account. I do wish they gave us a tracking # for them.